The Risks

Without wishing to scare anyone, I think it's important to address the real risk of getting an STD and encourage the proper use of a condom. Also if you can recognize some of the symptoms/signs then you may be able to avoid contact with someone who has one of these diseases. Getting tested regularly will help detect an STD.

Most sexually transmitted diseases can be treated. However, even the once easily cured gonorrhea has become resistant to many of the older traditional antibiotics. Other STDs, such as herpes, AIDS, and genital warts, all of which are caused by viruses, have no cure. Some of these infections are very uncomfortable, while others can be deadly. Syphilis, AIDS, genital warts, herpes, hepatitis, and even gonorrhea, have all been known to cause death. Many sexually transmitted diseases can lead to related conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, and complications in pregnancy. Therefore, education about these diseases and prevention is important.

It is important to recognize that sexual contact includes more than just intercourse. Sexual contact includes kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of sexual "toys," such as vibrators. There really is no such thing as "safe" sex. The only truly safe sex is abstinence. Sex in the context of a monogamous relationship where neither party is infected with a sexually transmitted disease is also considered "safe". Most people think that kissing is a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes, and other diseases can be contracted through this apparently harmless act. All other forms of sexual contact also carry some risk. Condoms are commonly thought to protect against STDs. Condoms are useful in helping to prevent certain diseases, such as HIV and gonorrhea. However, they are less effective protecting against herpes, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. Condoms provide little protection against HPV, the cause of genital warts.

Here is a brief overview of the most common diseases (with links to more detail if you want to read more)


Chlamydia - Chlamydia is a very dangerous sexually transmitted disease as it usually has no symptoms; 75% of infected women and 25% of infected men have no symptoms at all.
Gonorrhea - Gonorrhea is one of the most frequently reported STD. 40% of it's victims contract PID if not treated, and it can cause sterility.
Hepatitis B - A vaccine exists, but there's no cure; can cause cancer of the liver.
Herpes - Painful and episodic; can be treated but there's no cure.
HIV/AIDS - First recognized in 1984, AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death among young men and women. The virus is fatal involving a long, painful death.
Human Papalloma Virus (HPV) & Genital Warts - The most common STD, 33% of all women have this virus, which can cause cervical or penile cancer and genital pain.
Syphilis - Untreated, can lead to serious damage of the brain or heart.
Trichomoniasis - Can cause foamy vaginal discharge or no symptoms at all. Can cause premature birth in pregnant women.